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Big Papi remains out, unable to run without pain

Big Papi remains out, unable to run without pain

David Ortiz

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CLEVELAND -- David Ortiz was out of lineup again on Sunday, the day he had targeted for a return from his right Achilles injury. Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said the designated hitter was supposed to work out on the field before Sunday's game, including taking batting practice on the field.

"He'll do something out there," Valentine said. "I'm afraid to go out and watch. I don't want him to think that I'm pushing or anything."

Ortiz hasn't played since July 16 against the White Sox, but he seems to be making some strides in his recovery. Ortiz took Friday off to rest, and Valentine said he felt "great" the day after. But Ortiz continues to have pain in his Achilles after running.

"He's at the point where, if he does the full workout and doesn't feel the pain afterward, he'll be ready to go," Valentine said. "He's done the full workout a couple times, but he's felt it afterward in that specific spot. It's not just soreness, it's in that specific spot."

There remains no set timetable for Ortiz's return, but the struggling Red Sox hope their powerful designated hitter can return soon. Entering Sunday, they were just 10-15 without him during his time on the DL. Ortiz is hitting .316 with 23 home runs and 58 RBIs in 89 games.